Refraining from talking to a Utah auto accident attorney might just be the biggest mistake an injured victim can make. Research shows that those who work with an attorney tend to obtain much more money than victims who try to recover damages on their own. Going without legal assistance can put a personal injury claim in jeopardy, keeping victims from receiving the compensation they deserve.
But what about the cost? Could you even afford legal representation?
Actually, a lack of funds doesn’t have to be a problem. Choose a Utah auto accident attorney who works on a contingency fee basis – like the legal team at William R. Rawlings & Associates – and you won’t have to pay any upfront fees. Here’s what you need to know about contingency fees.
Basically, a contingency fee payment arrangement is one where an auto accident attorney represents a client for free until their claim is resolved. Payment of legal fees is contingent upon a successful case outcome – meaning that the client only has to pay the lawyer if they receive compensation.
What if no damages are awarded? In the event a case ends without a win, the client pays no legal fees. As such, experienced car accident attorneys make every effort to ensure that doesn’t happen.
When it comes to personal injury claims involving car wrecks, there is no standard contingency fee. However, the payment is typically between 25 and 40 percent of the damages awarded. The average rate is 33 percent.
The amount a Utah auto accident attorney charges depends upon several factors, but as a general rule, the more complicated a case, the greater the contingency fee. As an example, let’s say a lawyer is able to reach a fair settlement for a client, and the total is $100,000. In this situation, the legal fees may amount to $33,000 (33 percent). But if the case proceeds to trial instead and $100,000 in damages are awarded, the attorney may charge $40,000 (40 percent) of the recovery.
Whether a settlement is reached or a case ends with a jury award, a car accident attorney doesn’t send the client a bill. Instead, the legal fees and case expenses are taken directly from the winnings.
Car accident attorneys often offer a zero-fee guarantee or say that if they don’t win a case, the client doesn’t pay. This isn’t exactly accurate, however – what this really means is that the lawyer doesn’t collect any legal fees.
Other expenses associated with a personal injury claim – such as document fees, court filing fees and payment for expert witnesses -- may be initially covered by an accident attorney, though many ask the client to handle expenses as they arise. Either way, the client remains responsible for these costs, as they aren’t contingent upon of the outcome of their case.
When a lawyer wins compensation for a client, any case expenses incurred are deducted from the settlement or jury award along with the agreed-upon contingency fee. If the case doesn’t settle or succeed in court, the client can expect to receive a bill. That said, reading the fine print of a contingency fee agreement is the only way to know exactly how case expenses will be handled.
As we mentioned earlier, working with a car accident attorney tends to result in a higher payout. Having legal representation can make all the difference in whether or not an injured victim obtains a full financial recovery.
Some people say that with a minor car wreck that causes little or no injuries, hiring a lawyer isn’t necessary. That may be the case, but given that physical injuries and emotional trauma related to an accident may not be immediately apparent, scheduling a free attorney consultation is always worthwhile.
With a serious car wreck, one that results in injuries that require extensive medical treatment, the value of a claim is higher – and that makes hiring a Utah auto accident attorney well- worth the cost. The insurance adjusters involved will do everything they can to minimize the amount of compensation, and an experienced lawyer will know how to fight back and get every dollar an injured victim deserves.
If you’re ever in a car wreck in Utah and need legal advice, give William R. Rawlings & Associates a call. Discussing your case won’t cost you a dime, and you can count on us stand up for your rights.
After negotiating settlements and taking cases to court for decades, we’ve become a trusted Utah law firm, and we’re proud of our many client referrals. For more details on our legal team, or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a highly skilled and knowledgeable Utah auto accident attorney, contact William R. Rawlings & Associates today.
After being seriously injured in a motor vehicle crash, hiring a Utah car accident lawyer may not be on your mind at all. The car wreck itself was likely quite startling, and since then, your life has likely turned upside down. You may be both in need of ongoing medical treatment and unable to work, and taking part in activities you once loved may no longer be possible.
However overwhelmed you’re feeling, you still need to pay the bills – but as you’ll soon learn, trying to put your life back together while recovering from your injuries isn’t easy.
In theory, anyone who is injured in an accident caused by someone else should get have a simple way to get compensated for their losses. In reality, Utah personal injury claims are surprisingly complicated, and you may need help from an experienced car accident lawyer to get every dollar you deserve. Here are a few of the ways the right car wreck attorney can guide your injury claim toward the most favorable outcome.
Finding out exactly what happened, how it happened and who was at fault is crucial for any Utah injury claim.
Your recollection of the events matters, of course, but after being in a crash with another motor vehicle, your memory may be a little fuzzy. Many factors and multiple parties may be involved, and you’ll need to paint a full picture of what caused the car wreck and what losses have been incurred as a result of the incident.
To accomplish that, you need information. A knowledgeable and experienced car accident lawyer will launch a thorough investigation, leaving no stone unturned as they look to get to the bottom of what led to your motor vehicle crash.
Knowing what happened is one thing, but proof is essential for a favorable outcome to a Utah personal injury claim.
Collecting the necessary evidence is linked to the investigation process – and as with other legal matters, injury claims arising from car wrecks often involve many different types of evidence. Medical records, police reports, photographs and witness statements are among the forms of proof that can play a critical role in case outcome.
A seasoned personal injury lawyer can help you by gathering proof to support your injury claim – and by using the collected evidence to craft a sound legal strategy. As such, hiring an attorney means putting your best foot forward as you fight for compensation.
Personal injury claims related to Utah car wrecks frequently involve pushy insurance adjusters and other difficult defendants.
Communicating and negotiating with all of the parties involved can be a major burden when you’re trying to recover from serious injuries. And, if you happen to say the wrong thing to the wrong person, you could inadvertently undermine the value of your claim. Worse, your claim for compensation could be completely denied.
With the right Utah car accident lawyer on your side, you won’t have to worry about any of that happening. If you get a call from an insurance adjuster or another defendant, you can simply tell them to contact your attorney.
Insurance adjusters have one goal -- to minimize the amount of injury claim compensation or, better yet, eliminate it entirely.
For this reason, many insurance company representatives engage in underhanded tactics. When negotiating a fair settlement proves to be impossible, injured car wreck victims have one course of action – filing a lawsuit. Utah personal injury claims often settle after this, but there’s always the possibility of a case going to trial.
In any event, having a skilled and experienced Utah car accident lawyer can make a major difference in terms of case outcome. As research shows, car wreck victims who have attorneys receive much more money than those who represent themselves.
If someone’s reckless or careless behind-the-wheel conduct has caused you to be injured, the experienced car accident lawyers at William R. Rawlings & Associates in Draper, Utah, is ready to take the lead with your injury claim.
Our car accident lawyers have been helping others in your position for more than a decade, and you can rely on us to act as both your trusted legal advisor and a dedicated advocate -- and we’ll make every effort to ensure you’re fairly compensated for your injuries and losses. Our legal team handles injury claims on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t have to pay us a fee unless and until we win your case.
At William R. Rawlings & Associates, we offer free, no-obligation consultations to injured car wreck victims throughout northern Utah. To meet with a highly skilled and experienced Utah car accident lawyer, contact our Draper office today.
If you’ve suffered significant injuries in a car wreck, hiring an experienced Utah auto accident lawyer is in your best interests. However, with everything on your plate at the moment, you may not have had a chance to contact a local law firm yet – and you could get a call from the insurance company of the driver at fault for the crash at any point.
So, what should you do if that happens? What do auto accident lawyers in Utah say is the right way to respond? Read on for advice on how to approach your first post-accident phone call from an insurance adjuster.
The conversation might start off on a friendly note, and the adjuster you speak with may even seem empathetic. Don’t be fooled – this person is not on your side.
For the insurance company of the other driver involved in your car wreck, the number one goal is to figure out a way to pay you as little as possible or, better yet, nothing at all. Insurance adjusters will try to trick you, and anything you say could end up harming your case. Remember this, and refrain from getting chatty.
Auto accident lawyers in Utah say that the best way to handle a call from an insurance adjuster is to be courteous and speak in a professional manner.
You may be pretty upset about the car wreck and your injuries, but snapping at the adjuster won’t do any good – and that approach could be detrimental to your case, as your words could end up being used against you. Keep a cool head, and you’ll be better able to keep control over the conversation.
If the insurance adjuster asks whether it’s ok to record the conversation – and they very likely will -- politely decline, saying that you aren’t comfortable being recorded.
They may make the request in a way that makes it seem like giving a recorded statement is the standard procedure. Or, the adjuster might use phrasing that makes you feel as if you’re obligated to comply. Neither is true, and auto accident lawyers caution that a recorded statement could be used to undermine your claim.
The auto accident attorney you hire will want to know about your conversation with the insurance adjuster, so be sure to write down all of the key information as you talk.
Start by jotting down the name, address and phone number of the adjuster along with the name of the insurance company they’re with. As the conversation progresses, take notes on the information you provide and any you receive. Write down any requests that were made, too, and after the call ends, make sure your notes are complete.
The insurance adjuster will be trying to get you to talk about the auto accident, but attorneys say to politely refuse to provide anything but the most basic information.
Telling the adjuster your full name and address is fine, as is telling them the name of your employer. You can also disclose the vehicles involved and the identities of any witnesses. If pressed for details, auto accident lawyers suggest saying that your investigation is ongoing and you aren’t prepared to discuss more at this time.
You can expect questions about your injuries, but you don’t need to provide any health information – not even the name of your doctor or where you’re getting medical care.
Keeping the nature and extent of your injuries to yourself is the best course of action. You might become aware of a new injury related to the car wreck, or your injuries could worsen as time goes on. Anything you say now might be inaccurate, so auto accident lawyers say to tell the adjuster you’re still in treatment and waiting for more information.
When you don’t give the insurance adjuster much to work with, they’ll want to speak with you again, but ending the talk in a resolute manner can discourage repeat calls.
Auto accident lawyers in Utah recommend telling the adjuster that contacting you is unnecessary, as you have no other information to provide. Make it perfectly clear that you prefer limited contact in the future – and that you will never agree to settle without first discussing the matter with an experienced attorney.
Hiring a skilled auto accident lawyer is the best way to protect yourself after being seriously injured in a car wreck – and William R. Rawlings & Associates is here to meet your needs.
Insurance adjusters are tasked with the job of denying as many auto accident claims as they can. When they can’t deny a claim, their objective is to negotiate the lowest possible settlement. This is the type of work they do every day, and you need an attorney with just as much experience. You’ll find that at William R. Rawlings & Associates.
To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a highly qualified and experienced auto accident lawyer in Utah, contact us today.
Most people in Utah never think about talking to a car accident attorney until they need one. What’s more, many accident victims don’t know if they even need a lawyer.
If you’ve been injured in a fender bender that wasn’t your fault, should you make a point of consulting with a local legal professional? What can a lawyer do to help with the situation?
The truth is, a car accident attorney can play a vital role in the fight for fair compensation, protecting your rights and ensuring you get every dollar you deserve. Here, we discuss the primary reasons to hire an experienced Utah lawyer after suffering injuries in a motor vehicle collision.
Insurance adjusters aren’t on the side of car accident victims. The companies they represent want to make a profit, so adjusters are tasked with the goal of reducing the amount of money that must be paid out – and some even find ways to deny completely valid claims.
Turning to an experienced Utah car accident attorney can be to your benefit, as a lawyer will:
Make sure that the legal professional you choose specializes in accident claims. Every case is different, but experience matters when it comes to insurance negotiation. With a seasoned car accident attorney on your side, you stand a much stronger chance of reaching a favorable case outcome.
Anyone who is injured as a result of another person’s actions has the right to seek compensation. But because the other parties involved in a motor vehicle collision may try to shift the blame, proving who is liable for your injuries and losses may be rather challenging.
An experienced car accident attorney can help. The right legal professional will build a solid case by:
Collecting all of the available evidence and working with the right specialists – which may include medical and mental health experts, financial specialists and experts in accident reconstruction – is advantageous as far as case outcome is concerned. An accomplished car accident attorney will know what’s needed to forge a strong claim.
When you’re injured in a fender bender, your priority should be on getting better. But the reality is, if you intend to seek compensation from the at-fault party, you don’t have all the time in the world to do so. The accident claim process may not move all that quickly, and there are several deadlines you’ll need to meet.
Reach out to a qualified Utah car accident lawyer, and you won’t have to worry about missing the following:
Failing to meet all of the legal deadlines can be a major problem, as it could mean you no longer have the right to pursue compensation. And while we wish you had the option of waiting until you’re ready to face the situation, you’re better off calling a car accident attorney as soon as possible.
Recovering from a motor vehicle collision is physically, mentally and emotionally stressful. With all that’s going on in your life, you don’t need the added headaches and hassles that come with an accident claim. Your focus should be on getting well, gaining strength and figuring out how to move forward.
With an experienced car accident attorney, you’ll be in a better position to make progress on the road to recovery because:
In the wake of a fender bender, you really don’t need to be dealing with the difficulties of an accident claim on your own. Turning the matter over to a skilled and knowledgeable legal professional is in your best interests – both in terms of your recovery and the compensation you receive for your injuries and losses.
If you were recently injured in a motor vehicle collision in Utah, contact William R. Rawlings and Associates. Our legal team has handled thousands of accident claims, and we know how to help our clients get the maximum amount of monetary compensation for their losses. Plus, we never charge legal fees unless we’re successful in negotiating or litigating a claim.
For a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Utah car accident attorney, call William R. Rawlings and Associates today.
Whether you were hurt in an accident that happened a few hours ago one that occurred a few weeks ago, at some point you may wonder if contacting a Utah personal injury lawyer is a good idea.
While being on the fence about hiring an attorney is understandable, if you’re thinking about talking to a legal professional, the answer should always be yes. Most lawyers who specialize in personal injury law offer free consultations, giving you the opportunity to get answers and advice without any obligation. In our opinion, there’s really no downside to calling a Utah personal injury lawyer.
As for when to reach out to a local lawyer, sooner is better. Waiting could be problematic for your accident claim, decreasing your odds of obtaining the compensation you deserve.
If you’re like many of the Utah accident victims we’ve helped over the past 30 years, you may not have thought of calling a personal injury lawyer right away. In our experience, victims often only decide to contact a legal professional when faced with one of the following situations:
Serious Injuries
Many people don’t want to make a bigger deal out of their accident or their injuries than necessary. So, instead of calling a lawyer, they try to tough it out.
Whether you were hurt badly enough to require an ambulance ride to the emergency room or you’ve come to realize that your injuries are getting worse, medical professionals can guide you toward recovery. But to obtain the compensation you need to rebuild your life after an accident, you may need the help of an experienced Utah personal injury attorney.
Mounting Frustration
Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be incredibly stressful. However, many victims attempt to shoulder the burdens on their own.
Being in an accident triggers a storm of phone calls from insurance companies, and everyone wants you to answer questions, fill out incident reports and give statements. The pressure can be overwhelming, particularly if you have serious injuries, and saying the wrong thing could compromise your accident claim. Working with a lawyer will make your life much easier, allowing you to focus on getting better.
Financial Troubles
Accidents can lead to major expenses. Some victims don’t really have a grasp of the costs involved, not until the bills start rolling in.
After an accident, you’ll likely be billed for thousands of dollars (or even tens of thousands) in medical expenses. Damage to your car and other property could also result in enormous costs, and if you’re unable to work, you may not have the funds to stay afloat. Your financial stability is too important to sacrifice, and a personal injury lawyer can help put an end to your worries about paying for accident-related expenses.
The moment you begin to suspect that you could really use legal assistance, you should pick up the phone. Every day you hold off on getting a personal injury attorney involved puts your claim at risk. Here’s why calling as soon as possible is in your best interests:
Deadlines
All legal proceedings have a statute of limitations. In Utah, you have just four years from the date of an accident to bring an injury claim to court. For a property damage claim, the time limit is three years. Settlement negotiations can take much of that time, and if you need to file a lawsuit to secure compensation, you’ll have to do so before the deadline passes. If you wait too long to seek out legal assistance, even the most experienced personal injury lawyer may not be able to help.
Evidence
To get the compensation you deserve after an accident, you’ll need to prove that the other individual involved is at fault. You also need evidence that clearly reveals the severity of your injuries. But certain types of proof that can be used to support your accident claim – like video surveillance footage or statements from witnesses who observed the incident – might not be around forever. If you don’t call a lawyer soon, you may be letting important evidence slip away.
Outcome
Every personal injury claim is unique. Here at William R. Rawlings & Associates, our legal team has decades of experience helping Utah accident victims. That means we have a vast pool of professional knowledge we can draw from, which is certainly beneficial. However, we still need to give each claim ample attention. For that, we need time. The earlier you contact our Utah personal injury law office, the earlier our attorneys can begin working to achieve a favorable case outcome.
If you were injured in a car wreck, motorcycle crash, semi-truck collision or any other type of accident, William R. Rawlings & Associates is here to fight for your right to compensation. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our immensely skilled personal injury lawyers, contact our law office in Draper, Utah, today.
Rollover crashes can be absolutely devastating. Victims may be entitled to compensation, and a rollover accident attorney in Utah can assist with every step of the process.
While any type of car accident can generate serious injuries and considerable property damage, the ramifications of being involved in a rollover can be even greater. Tall, narrow, top-heavy vehicles like SUVs, vans and pickup trucks are more prone to flipping and rolling than passenger cars, but any vehicle can roll over. And no matter how careful you are when you get behind the wheel, a rollover accident can happen at any time.
Rollovers can occur in a range of situations and as a consequence of several different factors. Many rollover car accidents are the result of what’s known as tripping, which is when the tires collide with something that disrupts forward motion and causes the vehicle to roll sideways or forward. On-the-road objects that can lead to this scenario include:
In some cases, the above objects don’t cause vehicles to trip – instead, rollovers result from drivers swerving to avoid hazards and straying onto the soft shoulder. However, not all rollover accidents involve tripping. Other causes can include:
Rollover accidents can also involve multiple vehicles. Cars can roll as a result of the following types of collisions:
With some rollovers, more than one issue is a contributing factor. Victims can benefit from expert legal assistance, as a seasoned rollover accident attorney in Utah can determine where to place the blame and hold all responsible parties accountable.
As every car accident attorney knows, these types of collisions frequently result in life-threatening and life-changing injuries. This isn’t surprising when you consider that with some rollover crashes, vehicles tumble multiple times before coming to a stop.
In addition, drivers and passengers can be crushed inside or partially or fully ejected from their vehicles. Items in the car can also become dangerous projectiles and cause significant injuries in a rollover car accident. Several factors – including the speed of the vehicles involved, the point of impact and whether seatbelts were worn – can affect the nature and extent of a victim’s injuries.
Some of the more common injuries seen by rollover accident attorneys in Utah include:
Victims can recover from some injuries, but many face permanent disabilities. In any case, the impact on a person’s life can be significant. When crashes are caused by another driver’s actions, poor road conditions and vehicle deficits, victims have the right to pursue compensation for their damages and losses.
Rollovers also frequently result in fatalities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 6,291 deaths from rollover crashes involving passenger cars and light trucks in 2019. In the event of a wrongful death, an experienced rollover accident attorney can seek justice for the victim’s family.
As with any type of car accident, the party or parties at fault can be held financially liable for damages resulting from a rollover. However, figuring out the cause of a crash and determining who is to blame can be challenging without a rollover accident attorney.
With a single-vehicle rollover, injured victims may be able to pursue compensation from a parts manufacturer, for example, or from the department in charge of road maintenance in the area of the collision. In rollover crashes involving other vehicles, victims may be able to bring a claim for damages against another driver.
While injured victims aren’t required to have legal assistance to recover damages through a personal injury claim or lawsuit, working with an accomplished rollover accident attorney makes it easier to obtain the maximum in compensation. The types of damages a lawyer can pursue vary from case to case, but may include any or all of the following:
Here at William R. Rawlings & Associates, our rollover accident attorneys understand that no amount of money can make up for the trials and tribulations that come with a car collision. We also know that those who aren’t to blame deserve fair and full compensation – and we work hard to fight for every dollar our clients deserve.
No injured car accident victim should have to take on the legal system alone, and if you have the misfortune of being involved in a rollover crash, William R. Rawlings & Associates is here to help. For a free consultation with a highly skilled and experienced rollover accident attorney in Utah, contact our Draper law office today.
Are you in need of help from a Utah personal injury lawyer? If so, there’s certainly no shortage of attorneys who specialize in this area of the law in our state. Legal professionals are plentiful – which can make choosing one a challenging task.
Finding the right personal injury lawyer is crucial for any accident victim. If you’ve been hurt in an accident and plan to pursue compensation from the at-fault party, you’ll want to interview at least a few local attorneys to determine which one is the best fit for your situation. Fortunately, most of the top-rated personal injury law firms in Utah, including William R. Rawlings & Associates, offer free initial consultations. As such, you can get the information you need to make a decision without opening your wallet.
How will you know which personal injury lawyer is the right one to hire? Asking these questions will help you find an attorney who can fight for the compensation you deserve.
In the field of personal injury law, experience matters – and you’re better off putting your case in the hands of a seasoned attorney. While years of experience doesn’t necessarily indicate a lawyer’s level of skill or ability, it does show that they know the ropes. A rookie is more likely to make mistakes, and a lack of real-world practice can lead to a less-than-desirable case outcome.
The field of injury law is broad, and many attorneys specialize in certain practice areas. Just as you wouldn’t hire a plumber to fix your roof, you wouldn’t want to hire a personal injury lawyer who only assists clients with Utah car accident claims if yours is a dog bite injury case or a wrongful death claim. An attorney without relevant experience may not have what it takes to fight for the maximum in compensation.
Don’t assume that a personal injury lawyer has worked on cases that are similar to yours. An attorney may routinely help car accident victims, for example, but your car accident claim could involve unique circumstances they’ve never seen. To get every dollar you deserve from the party at fault for your injuries and losses, you need to find a legal professional with experience resolving similar Utah accident claims.
Just because a personal injury lawyer has experience working on cases that are similar to yours doesn’t make them the person to hire. You need an attorney who wins the cases they take, someone who has a history of negotiating favorable settlements for accident victims. Make sure, too, that the lawyer has jury trial experience, as you need a legal professional who is prepared to take your case as far as necessary to get results.
A personal injury lawyer won’t make promises or guarantees about the amount of financial compensation you can expect to receive due to the many variables that could affect your case outcome. However, an experienced lawyer should be able to explain the types of damages that may apply to your case and provide you with a general estimate as to the worth of your Utah accident claim.
Virtually every injury case, no matter how strong, comes with unique issues and potential shortcomings. An experienced personal injury lawyer should be willing and able to point out the areas of concern, and they should also have viable solutions. Be wary of any attorney who tells you that your case will be smooth-sailing, as you need a lawyer who will be upfront about the challenges they’ll need to overcome.
Most personal injury law firms in Utah operate on a contingency fee basis, which means clients don’t pay upfront legal fees. With this fee arrangement, your attorney will get paid when you do, taking a fixed percentage of the amount you receive as compensation for their services. You may be responsible for case-related costs as well. Make sure you discuss the expenses you can expect to avoid surprises later on.
The highly skilled legal team at William R. Rawlings & Associates has decades of experience and a long track record of successful case outcomes. We know the ins and outs of personal injury law and the accident claim process in Utah – plus, as former adjusters and lawyers for insurance companies, we know the shady tactics they use to take advantage of accident victims.
We’d be happy to answer all of the questions above as well as any other questions you may have, and we’d love to put our skill, knowledge and experience to work for you. If you were injured in an accident and want to discuss your legal rights with an accomplished personal injury lawyer in Utah, contact our office and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today.
If you were recently injured in a car wreck, you’re likely feeling pretty stressed. With all that’s on your plate at the moment, calling a Utah car accident lawyer may be last thing on your mind – but you should consider doing so soon.
Right now, getting better should be your number one priority. However, medical treatment costs money, and eventually, it will be time to pay the bills. If you didn’t cause the car wreck, those bills shouldn’t be your concern. Yet you don’t have the freedom to wait until you’re ready to deal with the situation.
The Utah car accident claims process takes a while to navigate, and while many cases settle out of court, filing a lawsuit is sometimes the only way to get a fair payout. And if you don’t file within the time limit – known as the statute of limitations – you may lose your right to compensation. Here’s what you need to know to meet the legal deadline.
Statutes of limitations are laws that establish a cutoff point for taking legal action, and they exist in both criminal and civil law. In the context of car accident claims, the purpose of the deadline is twofold: to ensure that lawsuits are handled promptly and to ensure a sense of fairness, as building a solid case becomes more difficult as time goes on.
In Utah, the statute of limitations on car accident injury claims is four years, and the clock started ticking the day your car wreck occurred. The time limit for property damage claims is shorter, and you’ll have just three years to pursue compensation for your vehicle. If you don’t file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires, you may not be able to hold the at-fault party financially accountable for your losses.
If your car wreck just happened, it may seem as if you have plenty of time to take legal action. Why call a Utah car accident lawyer now, when you need to be focused on recovering?
In a way, that’s the point – by turning your case over to an experienced attorney now, you can put your mind to healing and getting your life back to normal. With legal burden off of your shoulders, you’ll have an easier time on the road to recovery. However, waiting until the last minute to contact a Utah car accident lawyer could seriously undermine your claim.
To build a sound case for compensation, an accident lawyer will need time to conduct legal research, investigate the car wreck, prepare any necessary court filings and engage in settlement negotiations with the insurance company. Negotiations may go back and forth many times – and if an agreement cannot be reached, the claim must be taken to court.
The sooner you start working with a Utah car accident lawyer, the better chance you have at recovering the maximum in compensation. Wait too long, and you may weaken the persuasiveness of your legal claim.
Having an experienced attorney on your side can dramatically decrease your stress, as you won’t have to worry about the steep costs of recovery. You can count on legal professional to protect your interests, and that may be reason enough to hire a Utah car accident lawyer.
If you want to know how an attorney can help with your claim, you can always ask -- many personal injury law firms in Utah, including William R. Rawlings & Associates, offer free legal consultations. Generally speaking, however, an accident lawyer will help you by doing the following:
In addition, a seasoned Utah car accident lawyer will know how to maximize the amount of money you receive. An attorney can pursue every possible avenue of compensation that applies to your case. You may have the legal right to recover both economic and non-economic damages, including compensation for:
At William R. Rawlings & Associates, we always fight for every dollar our clients deserve. We have decades of experience in personal injury law, and we never charge a fee unless we recover damages. Our legal team is ready to go to work for you – contact us online or call our office in Draper, Utah, for a free car accident lawyer consultation today.
Most Utah car accident claims are settled out of court, and in some cases, the injured party receives compensation in the form of a single lump sum payment. In others, auto accident attorneys negotiate structured settlements.
What is a structured settlement? The arrangement allows for compensation to be paid out over a period of time, through a series of regular payments. Handled properly, a settlement with an extended payment schedule can be advantageous for an accident victim, particularly one with catastrophic injuries. But while a structured injury settlement is a good option for some, it isn’t necessarily right for everyone.
As a general rule, auto accident attorneys consider structured settlements in cases involving large sums of money. For more on how the arrangement works, take a look at the following.
Let’s say that you’ve resolved your car accident claim and have agreed to a structured settlement. What can you expect?
You’ll have a steady stream of income, as you’ll be receiving periodic payments over the course of several years or, perhaps, for the rest of your life. The specific terms will be tailored to meet your needs. A skilled auto accident attorney can negotiate:
With a structured injury settlement, an auto accident attorney can design the payment plan to suit your personal preferences. All of the terms are negotiable, so you can get creative with the structuring – any arrangement may be possible as long as your settlement award is large enough.
When you understand the benefits of a structured injury settlement, you may know whether it might be an option for you. Consulting an experienced auto accident attorney is a good idea, of course, but here are the upsides to accepting a structured settlement.
Financial Certainty
A lump sum payment may provide you with a fresh financial start, and getting a large amount of money can leave you thinking that you’ll always have enough cash to meet your needs. But if you opt to receive payments over time instead, you’ll be more likely to set a realistic budget based on your actual income.
Money Management
You’ve no doubt heard stories about lottery winners who lose it all in a very short period of time. That can happen to anyone who receives lump sum compensation in a Utah auto accident claim, too. Getting a structured injury settlement is a good safeguard against undue influence and poor investment decisions.
Reasonable Expectations
Receiving a large amount of money can result in pressure from family and friends who are facing financial difficulties – and turning everyone down isn’t easy. With a structured settlement, you can preemptively avoid this potential burden. If you want to help someone, you can, but the bulk of your funds will be protected.
Tax Benefits
Proceeds from structured injury settlements are considered tax-free, so deciding against lump sum compensation could mean paying a good deal less in taxes. Exceptions may apply, however, and some portions of your award could be taxable. An experienced auto accident attorney can explain your tax liability.
As with most everything in life, structured injury settlements have both plusses and minuses. Some people who win Utah auto accident claims prefer lump sum payments, so you should certainly consider the following downsides to structured settlements.
Less Control
After the terms of a structured settlement are finalized, little can be done to modify the arrangement. You won’t have the power to manage your money, the freedom to make investments or the ability to handle large unexpected expenses. If you want to be in command of your cash, you may be better off with lump sum compensation.
Vulnerability
A qualified auto accident attorney will structure the settlement arrangements to meet your financial needs, but economic conditions aren’t set in stone. Inflation, recession and changes to aggregate demand are constant threats – and your payments may end up being too small if there’s an unexpected fluctuation in the economy.
Loss of Public Benefits
If you accept a structured injury settlement, you could become ineligible for public benefits. That could be particularly problematic if you need ongoing medical care and don’t have private health insurance. Setting up a trust may allow you to avoid this issue, but you may need help from an experienced attorney to keep receiving benefits.
The decision on whether to go with lump sum compensation or a structured injury settlement is yours to make. The right auto accident attorney will consider your needs and preferences, as you deserve a payment arrangement that works for you.
Regardless of which way you’re leaning, the experienced and knowledgeable legal team at William R. Rawlings & Associates can advise you on your settlement payment options. Our Utah law firm settles car accident claims on a regular basis, and with over 35 years of experience in the field of personal injury law, we know how to protect our clients’ interests.
To get more information on structured settlements, or to arrange for a free, no-obligation consultation with a highly skilled Utah auto accident attorney, contact William R. Rawlings & Associates today.
You have your driver’s license, so you learned the rules of the road in Utah – but no one taught you anything about how to get compensation for losses resulting from a trucking collision. Is hiring a semi-truck accident lawyer necessary?
Actually, no. Legal representation isn’t required to file an accident claim in Utah.
That said, you can’t expect insurance adjusters to offer good advice or advocate for your rights. Their goal is to save their employer money, which is contrary to your goal. The reality is, you may need to have an experienced semi-truck accident lawyer in your corner to obtain the maximum in financial compensation.
Some victims of trucking collisions receive fair settlement offers from insurance companies, but most face an uphill battle in terms of compensation. All too often, filing a semi-truck accident lawsuit is the only way to get an acceptable payout.
If you’re compelled to go that route, you won’t have all the time in the world to bring an accident claim. In Utah, the statute of limitations for truck accident lawsuits is four years – and the clock started ticking the date of your trucking collision. With very few exceptions, injured victims lose the right to make a claim for compensation after the four-year period expires.
Be aware, though, that you have an even shorter amount of time to pursue compensation for property damage – in Utah, this type of claim has a three-year deadline. And in the event of wrongful death, a victim’s surviving heirs have just two years from the date of death to take legal action.
Depending upon the circumstances surrounding your trucking collision, you may need a semi-truck accident lawyer to help you figure out who can be held legally responsible for your injuries and losses.
That’s obviously the semi-truck driver, isn’t it? Perhaps – if the collision involved distracted driving, speeding or any other reckless actions. But if the driver wasn’t negligent and didn’t violate any Utah traffic laws or trucking regulations, you may need to make a claim against another party.
Who might be to blame for your trucking collision? A number of parties could be named in your accident claim. The trucking company, a parts manufacturer, a maintenance contractor, a cargo loader – those a just a few of the entities that can be held liable in Utah. A truck accident lawyer will have the expertise to work out how and why the collision occurred, identifying the at-fault party or parties and holding them accountable.
Aside from getting expert assistance determining liability, are there any other reasons to consider hiring a semi-truck accident lawyer? Sure – and the biggest reason is to level the playing field.
Insurance companies have catchy slogans designed to make you think they care about you, but their focus is on profit. Instead of protecting your rights, insurance adjusters aim to protect the bottom line of the insurance company. An experienced truck accident lawyer can advocate for your best interests, ensuring that you don’t settle for less money than you deserve.
In addition, to get fairly compensated, you’ll need to secure ample evidence. This includes proof of negligence on behalf of the at-fault party or parties, proof that the trucking collision caused your injuries and proof of the financial losses resulting from the accident. Getting all of the documentation you need can be a challenge on your own – and to obtain some forms of evidence, such as data from onboard electronic logs and in-cab cameras, you may need help from a semi-truck accident lawyer.
You have a narrow window of time to file a truck accident lawsuit, so it’s in your best interests to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Investigating the cause of your trucking collision, getting the necessary evidence to prove your claim and securing the compensation you deserve could take quite some time – and for the best case outcome, your lawyer will need to get to work right away.
For expert legal representation in Utah, accident victims trust the professional team at William R. Rawlings & Associates. Our highly skilled lawyers have decades of experience taking on truck accident claims, and as former insurance adjusters and insurance company attorneys, we know what it takes to negotiate a fair settlement. And if that isn’t in the cards, we’re willing to battle it out in court.
After a serious trucking collision, your attention should be on recovering from your injuries – not on recovering financial compensation. Let the legal team at William R. Rawlings & Associates focus on the latter, and we’ll do whatever we can to get you the maximum possible payout. To learn why our Utah law firm is the right one to handle your accident claim, or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a friendly and knowledgeable semi-truck accident lawyer, contact our Draper, Utah, office today.